1950 Gibson J-45

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1950 Gibson J-45

Gibson's early post-war J-45 is among the most iconic flattop guitar models in existence today. Having graced countless recordings, these scalloped-braced Sitka spruce slope-shoulders have one of the most instantly recognizable voices in the world of acoustic guitars.

A fabulous example of a small-guard, belly-up bridge J-45, this guitar offers the perfect blend of classic Gibson woodiness and ‘thump’ with excellent note separation and a strong fundamental. It's a powerful guitar with rich bass, defined mids, and rounded trebles. While it's a fabulous rhythm guitar, its full-bodied single note response makes it a pretty great flatpicker too.

This crack-free 1950 Gibson J-45 presents beautifully and is in wonderful condition both cosmetically and structurally. With a nicely aged sunburst finish over a Sitka top that shows mild figuring, this J-45 is among the more attractive examples that we have encountered of late. The guitar has matured beautifully over the last 75 or so years, showing light pickwear to the top, finish crazing, and minor chips, dents, and scratches throughout. There are no signs of overspray or refinishing anywhere on this guitar.

The guitar’s original neck angle remains very good and there is plenty of saddle height left with our shop standard action. Our repair shop reglued a few loose brace ends and installed new bridge pins, reproduction tuner buttons, and a bone saddle. With a recent refret and an exceptionally comfortable neck carve, this vintage Gibson J-45 plays effortlessly.

Overall, this is a fantastic example of a postwar J-45 and is a current shop favorite.

Small pickguard, scalloped braces, original small maple bridge plate, through-cut saddle. First fret depth of 0.861", twelfth fret depth of 0.958", and a 1-11/16" nut width. 2-1/8" string spacing at the bridge.

With 1960’s Gibson hardshell case.
1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45
  • 1950 Gibson J-45

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Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario Canada

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We've spent thirty years building relationships with musicians, collectors, and fellow dealers across Canada and the US. Every guitar we sell has been inspected, played, and approved by hands that know the difference.

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